The last time a Canadian player slashed a Russian player in an attempt to break an ankle was 1972. Everyone thought it was great then, but somehow I think the Red Wings are not going to think too highly of the Max Talbot slash on Pavel Datsyuk in Game 5.

Was it a ridiculously vicious chop? No. Was it a targeting of an injured player? Absolutely. And some people might suggest that’s what the Stanley Cup playoffs are all about but I’m sure the Red Wings would say otherwise as they don’t embrace that whole concept of vigilante justice very much. Their idea of getting back at the opposition is to do what they did in Game 5 – score lots of goals.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed forward Maxime Talbot to a two-year contract through the 2010-11 season, it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager Ray Shero.

The 5-11, 185-pound forward has registered seven points (four goals, three assists) along with 18 penalty minutes in 28 games this season with Pittsburgh. Talbot has a winning faceoff percentage of 57.1% this season and is currently tied for fourth on the team with 44 hits.

“Max has developed into one of the key players in our organization,” Shero said. “He has shown his versatility and plays in all situations for our hockey club. He played an integral role in helping our team reach the Finals last season and we look forward to having him for the coming years.”

Q. Sidney, how is everyone feeling today with a little sleep, I guess, but probably a lot of adrenalin?

SIDNEY CROSBY: Feel pretty good. I mean, we’re happy to still be playing. It was definitely a tough one last night. But we’re just happy to really still be playing here.

Q. You said earlier in the season that Gonchar might be one of the least‑recognized stars in the League. Can you just talk about, in your mind, what he brings to this team, not on the ice, but in the way he helps you guys in the room and with your maturity and the way you handle things?

“I heard the Stanley Cup was in the hallway,” said [Max] Talbot, with a sly smile. “We just wanted to play more hockey.”

But Talbot’s smile escaped as fast as Sykora’s game-winner travelled from his stick to the back of the net.

“It was a big moment, but after the third period, it was the past,” Talbot said. “I’m just trying to forget about it because if we don’t win Game 6, it will mean nothing. Guys are happy about what we did and the character we showed, but it’s going to mean nothing if we don’t win the next game.”

“He certainly has provided a spark and some energy,” Cleary admitted. “He’s a gritty guy and he was a big influence on that winning goal. But we have guys that’ll hit and get in there and get dirty, too.”

One of those guys, Dallas Drake, was on the receiving end of a pair of Orpik’s hits in that highlight-reel shift Wednesday. Drake, though, had a shift just like it in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals, and tonight he’ll undoubtedly look to introduce himself to his old friend, Mr. Roberts.

Q. What do you feel like you did better in Game 3 than you had done in the previous two games, and what do you feel like you have to do better still in Game 4?

ADAM HALL: Well, I think we were just able to do a better job limiting our turnovers and forechecking, and I think that was kind of a key to help creating more offense for us.

MAXIME TALBOT: Yeah, we made some little adjustments. And obviously I think that the desperation in and the crowd got us going. Yes, we had a little slow start, but I think after that yesterday it was a cliche but we talked about getting the first goal, and that was huge for us. And we got it, and it was a different game for us. Because it’s easier to play, when you play against the Detroit Red Wings and they have the lead, it’s kind of hard to come back because they’re so smart and experienced.